Outdoor briefs Nov. 12, 2013

Derek Mong

Tony Bernard of Lafayette captured first place recently in the 2014 Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp competition sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The contest determines the image that will be used on what is commonly known as the Louisiana Duck Stamp.

Bernard, who also won the 2007 stamp competition, beat 20 additional competitors. Guy Crittenden of Richmond, Va., placed second, while John Harris of Groveland, Fla., was third.

Bernard was born and raised in Lafayette and he has built a career in the art world that includes commissions to produce original art for local and regional festivals, professional athletic teams, NASCAR and SEC sporting events.

In 2008, he was commissioned to paint the official portrait of Governor Bobby Jindal that now hangs in the governor's mansion in Baton Rouge.

For the fifth consecutive year, LDWF held an open contest that allowed the artist to choose any migratory waterfowl species known to winter in Louisiana other than northern pintails, wood ducks, American wigeon and mallards, which were featured on the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 duck stamps respectively.

Kistachie deer season dates are extended

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission recently added seven days in designated areas within Kisatchie National Forest for bucks-only still hunting with firearms, during the 2013-14 deer season.

The dates include Nov. 22 through 28, providing an additional bucks-only hunting opportunity during the Thanksgiving week holiday period.

Previously approved and announced dates in these areas include Nov. 2-21, Nov. 30-Dec. 1 and Dec. 14-29.

The online version of the 2013-14 Louisiana Hunting Regulations pamphlet has been updated to reflect these changes on page 83.

The U.S. Forest Service requested the additional week of Nov. 22-28 be included in this year's season dates for deer hunting to provide additional hunting opportunities during the Thanksgiving week holidays.